ATTENTION ALL PARENTS, COUNSELORS & EDUCATORS: Full disclosure: Trudy Ludwig is one of my favorite children’s authors as well as a caring human being. All her books (including Confessions of a Former Bully, Sorry, and Trouble Talk) are plain glorious, but now she’s outdone herself. Trudy has an exciting new nonfiction picture book project for kids that she’s [...]

Why we must nurture children’s hearts as well as minds: 7 ways to teach kids strong, ethical behavior and character in a decade of moral erosion This might as well go down in history as the “Decade of Moral Erosion.” Wall Street so-called “leaders,” politicians, celebrities, and even the clergy and their parade of unethical [...]

Three crucial and teachable skills that help our kids become self-reliant, resourceful and resilient. Raising your child to become independent is among your most important parenting tasks. After all, one of your key goals is to help your son or daughter survive as well as thrive without your guidance. That means you must prepare your [...]

10 Secrets to Help Kids Share,Take Turns and Join the Human Race “It’s mine.” “But I had it first!” “I want a turn!” Sound familiar? All parents want their kids to “play nice” by sharing, taking turns, and cooperating with their friends. After all, it means their child is learning how to socialize and get [...]

“Big Brat Factor” Cures: 6 strategies to “unspoil” a child. Parenting strategies I shared on the Today Show Hidden Dangers of Raising Spoiled Kids Of course we love our kids and want the best for them. We hate to let them down and don’t want to see them unhappy even for a nano-second. And we [...]

“I know my teacher gave me a present, but she’s getting paid for being nice.” “Why should I write Grandma a thank you note?  I told her ‘thanks’ already.”  “But it takes too much time! Can’t I just text a thank you?” If those comments sound familiar, know you’re not alone. While kids love receiving [...]

The family is the first school of virtue, make sure you’re schooling your child in the lessons of character. Here are 36 simple and proven practices that boost a child’s character. If you want to enhance your children’s moral development, choose one a month or a few for the year and commit to adopting them into [...]

Parenting advice to help our children’s develop “stick-to-itness” and a strong work ethic Many historians feel that one of Winston Churchill’s greatest speeches was given at a graduation ceremony at Oxford University. Churchill had worked on the speech for hours trying to figure out the key message he wanted to convey to the graduates. When [...]

Five steps to help kids learn the lost art of saying “I’m sorry.” The steps work for adults, too!  Have you noticed how apologizing has become almost a lost art these days? A great number of adults–not kids–seem to have forgotten how to say that glorious two-word simple phrase, “I’m sorry!” And if the offender [...]

Parenting advice to curb irresponsibility, excuses and “blame games” and boost trustworthiness, accountability and kid responsibility Any of these sound familiar? “I forgot.” “Take care of this for me.” “It wasn’t my fault.” “I did some of it, but I left it on the bus.” “I don’t know where I put it.” They are statements [...]

I think I have the best job in the world: I get to help parents raise the next generation and I’ve worked with a lot of moms and dads.  I’ve spoken to over one million participants on five continents, appeared on over 100 TODAY show parenting segments and written 22 books on child development. I’m [...]

Parenting advice to boost our children’s civility and teach manners  REALITY CHECK: A survey conducted by US News & World Report found nine out of ten Americans felt the breakdown of common courtesy has become a serious problem in this country. A huge seventy-eight percent of those polled said manners and good social graces have significantly [...]

Children are hard-wired for empathy, but unless it is nurtured the trait may lie dormant. Parenting advice based on research that nurture our children’s capacity to feel for others One Experience Can Mobilize Heart Several years ago, our youngest son brought a note homefrom his teacher asking for parent volunteers to chaperone a class field [...]

OUR REALITY CHECK: Moral Intelligence is what helps our children act right with or without our guidance, and the best news is that this critical and too often overlooked intelligence can be taught.  Let’s make sure our children develop both strong minds and caring hearts! Here are 10 reasons why we must build our children’s [...]

REALITY CHECK:  “Results-Driven Parenting” is what I call using how you choose to respond and what you choose to reinforce in your daily interactions with your children to produce real and lasting change in their social, emotional, moral, cognitive, or behavior. The technique is based on solid psychological principles, is simple to use, and yet [...]

The unique challenges and the solutions for parenting today’s digital kids REALITY CHECK: Reports reveal new concerns about today’s “plugged-in” kids and how technology may rob them of face-to-face interaction, jeopardize empathy, social skills and communication development as well as crucial family time.  Let’s face it, technology is transforming our kids’ lives. Digital media is [...]

Research shows that when student bystanders intervene correctly, bullying can be cut more than half the time and within 10 seconds. – Pepler Bullying is cold-blooded, intentional cruelty,and will flourish if tolerated. Forty-nine states have now passed anti-bullying policies and so-called bullying prevention programs are cranking off the presses in record numbers. Beware: Farrington’s analysis of [...]

An essential way to hear student concerns about school safety, their ideas for reducing bullying, creating a safe and caring school, and gathering evidence-based data about bullying is by setting up Student Bullying Focus Groups. Here is the complete guide for conducting student focus groups at your school or organization.   I’ve found one of the [...]

How a high school student is making a difference about bullying Last month I worked in Germany on United States Army and Air Force Garrisons. My role was to inservice staff, parents, child advocates, and educators in bullying prevention strategies. I also had the opportunity to visit many schools and interview dozens of wonderful kids. [...]

I usually don’t blog about “travel” and stick to parenting/education issues, but I had an experience this week that I feel compelled to share. It al started when my husband and I decided to finally get away from it all and take a relaxing cruise on the Azamara Quest- part of the Royal Caribbean Cruises [...]

Anti-Bullying Policy Developed by the U.S. Army Garrisons in Europe and Department of Defense Dependents Schools – Europe (DoDDS-E) Signed  Last March I visited four US Army and US Air Force Garrisons in Germany and it has been a thrill. I was invited by the Installation Management Command (IMCOM Europe) to train school, child and [...]

Simple ways to help kids learn the power of giving and and grow into caring individuals It’s no secret that kids learn best by doing. But they’re also keen observers as well as little copycats. I constantly hear from parents that they want their kids to grow up to be caring and giving individuals. But [...]

  By  Character Education Partnership “Teachers matter,” said President Obama last week in his State of the Union address. “Instead of bashing them, or defending the status quo let’s offer schools a deal. Give them the resources to keep good teachers on the job, and reward the best ones. In return, grant schools flexibility: To teach with [...]

Education has always been a passion of mine. Moral development and nurturing children’s compassion and empathy are the essence of my work. So when General Mills asked me if I’d like to be a spokesperson for its Betty Crocker Fruit Flavored Snacks “Win & Give” campaign, I jumped at the opportunity. This campaign gives kids [...]

REALITY CHECK: Did you know that today’s American youth are displaying intolerant actions at alarming rates-and at younger ages? The FBI reports that most hate crimes are committed by youth younger than nineteen. The Associated Press announced  that 2009 saw most federal hate crime cases since 2001. The Southern Poverty Law Center  reports that those stats [...]

8 crucial steps educators and parents can take to reduce peer cruelty and create caring, respectful learning environments    Studies show that bullying is intensifying in our schools. We are also seeing an epidemic of so-called bullying prevention programs. Beware: three fourths of those programs which have been evaluated are ineffective in curbing bullying (Farrington). [...]

Tired about all those ads reminding your kids what they “must have” and your kids are now repeating those jingles? Concerned your kiddos are preparing a wish list so long they’ll be disappointed no matter how many presents they get? Noticing the spirit of the season at your home is more “gimme, take me, buy [...]

The often overlooked and critical holiday skill  If you haven’t checked that calendar, here’s a word to the wise: in the next few days your child is going to be receiving a gift from someone. My question: Have you taught your child the skill of appreciation? Here’s another way of putting it: “How well do [...]

There’s no doubt that video games are a part of the plugged-in generation’s lifestyle. Research shows that 99 percent of boys and 94 percent of girls ages 12 to 17 play computer, web, portable or console games.More than 90 percent of kids play video games 30 minutes a day. In fact, video gaming is so widespread among [...]

REALITY CHECK: Empathy is the moral virtue that helps children “identify with and feel other people’s concerns.” When they do, they are more likely to reach out and respond in more caring, compassionate ways to others. Unlike genetics or appearance or most temperaments, empathy can be cultivated, and research shows that our infants are already [...]

Being fair and kind can be cultivated in our children. I’m in Cincinnati at the invitation of the Summit Day Country School to speak with teachers and parents about how to raise goodness in our children. This week I had spoke with Krista Ramsey, education reporter for Cincinnati News.com. Here is her report published in [...]

I’m at the Hyatt in San Francisco Oct 19-22, 2011 at the CEP’s (Character Education Partnership) 18th National Forum on Character Education. Join me! Interested in learning how to reduce bullying, increase empathy, build respectful learning climates, foster resiliency, encourage student leadership, or prepare students for a lifetime of citizenship? Then join me in San Francisco [...]

REALITY CHECK: “In data from 37,000 college students, narcissistic personality traits rose just as fast as obesity from the 1980s to the present. The rise is accelerating, with scores rising faster in the 2000s than in previous decades.” – Jean Twenge, Ph.D., San Diego State University and author of The Narcissism Epidemicand Generation Me. Trudy Ludwig’s fabulous book: [...]

Kid (and adult) vulgarity is on the rise with breakdown of respect and civility as consequences. Here are solutions at home and school to stop profanity and bring back civility! We generally equate childhood with innocence, so it can come as quite a shock when a foul word escapes from the mouth of our sweet [...]

REALITY CHECK: 64% of adults now favor “kid free zones” in restaurants, theaters, and planes. Time for an honest check – how are your kids behaving in public? You’ve spruced up the kiddos for a family night out at a restaurant. You intentionally chose one that hascloth tablecloths and fresh flower arrangements figuring it would [...]

Parenting advice on how to raise strong, confident daughters from the inside out  What parent doesn’t want their daughter to be a leader? After all, that top role—be it, debate captain, head cheerleader, newspaper editor, play director, student body president-is deemed the epitome of success. These are the girls who adults applaud and peers look [...]

Why diminishment of kid empathy should be our biggest concern about media and video games. Ratings, research, solutions, and how to gear up and parent the “Controller Generation”   “Can’t I just play one more hour?” “But there’s nottttthhhhthinnnng else to do!” “Chill out, Mom. The game is not that violent.” There’s no doubt that [...]

Parenting strategies that help kids act right when we’re not around and nurture moral intelligence Every parent’s first concern is the same: “Is my baby healthy?” This question is one that doctors usually can answer. Another big question is far more difficult: “Will my child become a good and decent human being?” Most doctors would [...]

How teaching children tolerance can curb bullying, peer cruelty and stop the cycle of youth violence REALITY CHECK: Did you know that today’s American youth are displaying intolerant actions at alarming rates-and at younger and younger ages? The FBI tells us most hate crimes are committed by youth younger than nineteen. Tolerance is a powerful [...]

Teach your children to hang in there when the going gets tough, but know when to let them throw in the towel. Parenting advice I shared with Al Roker on the TODAY show Perseverance often makes the critical distinction between whether kids succeed or fail. Will they have the inner strength to keep on or [...]

Student cheating is an epidemic and the impact on their character is at stake. Parenting and educator solutions to a troubling and wide-spread national trend Latest Report Card on the Ethics of American Youth: FLUNK! Every two years the Josephson Institute conducts a nation-wide survey of high school students called Report Card on the Ethics of American [...]

Parenting advice to nurture our children’s empathy and compassion. Several years ago, our youngest son brought home a note from his teacher asking for parent volunteers to chaperone a class field trip. His teacher, Cindy Hollinger, was encouraging her students to give up their Saturday morning to participate in a race called “Lauren’s Run” sponsored [...]

Want to be a calmer parent? Here’s how to break your kid’s annoying habit—whining As any parent knows, whining is one of the most irritating of kids’ habits. And although the behavior usually peaks at around 4 years of age, it can continue well into the school years. But take heart: as a mom and [...]

Parenting advice to curb insensitivity, boost emotional intelligence and increase empathy in our children “Why should I care how he feels? He’s not my friend.” “So what if I made him cry. He’s a wimp.” “How was I supposed to know he would take it so bad? I was just joking.” Sensitizing children to how [...]

Proven tips to nurture compassion children and reduce peer cruelty Last fall I was on the East Coast helping a small school district implement a character education program. My first meeting was with a district administrator to assess the students’ needs, and the discussion has haunted me ever since. I began by inquiring about the [...]

Troubling data revealing a breakdown of civility and respect in today’s youth. Parenting advice to turn that trend around and raise respectful children. “RESPECT: Showing you value others by treating them in a courteous and considerate way.” The virtue is glorious. It’s the basis of civilization and humanity. The problem is that it seems to be [...]

Parenting advice to encourage kids to lend a hand, do service, and make the world a kinder place The TODAY Show asked me to share parenting advice that will encourage kids to catch that glorious “Volunteer Spirit.” I’ll share more tips this Friday, December 3 during the 8 am hour on TODAY. You’ll also meet [...]

Five steps to stopping the Big Brat Factor by curbing selfish and spoiled kid attitudes If you think self-centered and selfish kids are on the rise, you’re right. National surveys show most parents feel they’re raising selfish kids. The truth is kids don’t arrive in this world with all the symptoms of the “Big Brat [...]

Parenting advice that helps you see the dangers of raising a spoiled kid and a four-word review to assess whether your child just may be even a tad bit spoiled. “Spoiled! Not my kid!” Right??? Or would you admit that your child is just a tad bit spoiled? All the polls say that most Americans [...]

Parenting advice based on solid research to help us raise caring, kind-hearted kids in a racy, raunchy world Something has changed about our children: the prevalence of abuse by their peers is increasing. Bullying is far more intense and starting at younger ages. And I have little patience for anyone stating the old “Kids will [...]